Former Wallabies captain Stephen Moore is reportedly looking to move to Europe after announcing his impending retirement from international rugby.
Australian flanker Michael Hooper is a strong favourite to take over as captain.
Moore played his 120th Test match for the Wallabies against Italy last month to become the 10th most capped international of all time.
“It was completely a decision (to retire) … just based around the contribution I thought I could make, particularly with the World Cup in mind,” Moore said.
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“I think the commitment required to be the best and to be perform at the highest level is huge.
“I just didn’t think I could do that ongoing for another two years leading up to that World Cup.”
Moore, who made his Test debut in 2005, will play one more Super Rugby season with the Queensland Reds, even though he still has two years to run on his contract.
Despite it being mentioned that Moore might retire completely in 2018, it has been suggested that he may look to see if he has any decent options in Europe after playing the entirety of his career in Australia.
Munster, who made an offer to Moore in 2015, currently have an overseas hooker under contract in Rhys Marshall, meaning they couldn’t resurrect the deal even if they wanted to under current IRFU rules.
His experience would likely attract big spenders Bristol, with the hooker possibly joining up with Pat Lam’s side ahead of the 2018/19 Premiership season if they gain promotion this year.
The Bristol chief had previously been interested in Moore when he was at Connacht, putting him on their radar.